A happy dog is a dog with a healthy mouth! But we all know it—brushing their teeth can feel like a mini wrestling match. Thankfully, dog mouthwashes and dental water additives make maintaining oral health easier. These little miracle products go after plaque, tartar, and that dreaded doggy breath – no wrestling needed.
In this article, we’re diving into the six best dog mouthwashes, breaking down their best features, how easy they are to use, and why they’re must-haves in your pup’s dental care routine. So, let’s get started!
1. PawSafe Dog Mouthwash – Best Overall (Our Top Pick)
PawSafe Dog Mouthwash is the doggy dental care product that raises the bar. Unlike other water additives that just freshen breath or handle basic plaque, PawSafe stands in a league of its own. It fights bad breath, takes down infections, prevents tartar buildup, and even strengthens your pup’s teeth—all with a quick splash in their water bowl!
Key Features:
- Natural ingredients like spearmint and peppermint oils
- Effectively fights plaque, tartar, and infections
- Safe for daily use, free of artificial sweeteners or harmful chemicals
- Strengthens teeth with regular use
- 90-day money-back guarantee
What this mouthwash really nails is long-term dental care. Unlike most other products that simply mask odors, PawSafe actively fights the bacteria that cause infections, stopping those pesky oral health issues before they even have a chance to show up.
Its natural ingredients work around the clock to keep your dog’s teeth clean, plaque-free, and gums in great shape. This makes it a step above your standard water additives by actually improving your dog’s overall dental health, not just covering up the problem.
Whether your dog’s kisses are a little too smelly for comfort or you’re looking for a simple way to keep their teeth clean, PawSafe is designed to do the heavy lifting—all while being gentle enough for everyday use. And with their 90-day money-back guarantee, it’s pretty much a no-brainer!
Check out PawSafe Dog Mouthwash, your dog will love you for it!
2. TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive – Best for Multi-Purpose Oral Care
TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive is kind of like the Swiss Army knife of doggy dental care—seriously, there’s a version for just about everything! Formulas for things like skin, coat, and even hip and joint support, make it a versatile option for your pup’s overall well-being.
Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), this product doesn’t just stop at freshening your dog’s breath—it’s also designed to tackle plaque and tartar, making it great for keeping those teeth in tip-top shape long-term.
However, some users have noted that while it effectively freshens breath, the impact on plaque and tartar buildup can take a bit longer to show compared to more targeted products.
Key Features:
- VOHC approved for plaque and tartar control
- Contains green tea extract for fresh breath
- Available in multiple formulas (teeth whitening, hip & joint support)
- Easy to use, just add to water
Overall, this mouthwash is a good choice for dogs with sensitive teeth or those who need a little extra TLC in their oral care routine. The green tea extract works naturally to fight off bacteria, helping keep your dog’s mouth squeaky clean.
If you’re looking to add a little extra boost to your dog’s daily routine, Vets Preferred Oral Care Water Additive fits right in. No complicated steps—just a splash in the water, and you’re good to go!
3. Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Solution – Best for Allergy-Prone Dogs
Does your best friend have allergies or a sensitive tummy? Oxyfresh Premium Pet Dental Care Solution could be what you need. This mouthwash is free from the usual suspects—dyes, artificial flavors, and nasty toxins—making it a gentle, safe option for even the most sensitive pups.
But don’t let the mildness fool you! It still works on plaque and bad breath while keeping your dog’s mouth clean and fresh, thanks to its non-GMO formula.
Key Features:
- Free from dyes, artificial flavors, and toxins
- Odorless and tasteless – ideal for picky dogs
- Non-GMO and cruelty-free
- Suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs
- Made in the USA
The odorless and tasteless formula of Oxyfresh means even the pickiest dogs won’t turn their noses up at it—literally! Since it’s free from harsh additives, it’s a great option for dogs with allergies or those prone to digestive issues.
Despite being mild, it gets the job done, with regular use. That said, if your dog has more serious dental issues, like heavy plaque buildup, you may want to consider a stronger alternativ-e-archive.
4. Vets Preferred Oral Care Water Additive – Best for Advanced Gum Health
For dogs whose gums need some extra love, Vets Preferred Oral Care Water Additive is probably one of the better options. This vet-recommended formula is specially designed for dogs experiencing mild gum issues. With its mild minty flavor, it works double duty by preventing gum disease and tackling plaque and tartar—for a fresh and healthy smile!
Key Features:
- Mild mint flavor that freshens breath
- Targets and prevents gum disease
- Reduces plaque and tartar build-up
- Veterinarian-recommended formula
- Made in the USA
Vets Preferred Oral Care is designed to target those hard-to-reach areas that brushing often misses, which helps keep your dog’s gums healthy and free from infection—especially if your dog has started showing early signs of gum disease, like gingivitis.
The minty flavor makes it a more enjoyable experience for dogs who love a fresh taste in their water. Vets Preferred stands out for its ability to prevent gum disease and maintain dental health. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for more than just a breath freshener.
5. Arm & Hammer Complete Care Dental Water Additive – Best Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re looking for a dog mouthwash that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done, Arm & Hammer Complete Care Dental Water Additive is your go-to.
This budget-friendly option uses the power of good old-fashioned baking soda to freshen breath and fight tartar buildup. It’s flavorless and odorless which is why it’s a hit among picky dogs who refuse stronger-tasting formulas.
Key Features:
- Affordable, budget-friendly pricing
- Uses baking soda for natural breath freshening
- Fights plaque and tartar build-up
- Flavorless and odorless for picky pets
- Easy-to-use daily water additive
Arm & Hammer has long been a trusted name in household cleaning, and their dog dental care products are no exception. Although it might not last as long, this mouthwash will freshen your dog’s breath without any harsh chemicals.
If your dog has a sensitive palate or you’re trying to stick to a budget, this product offers great value. Plus, like other entries on this list, it’s easy to use—just add it to your dog’s water bowl and let it work its magic, all without the extra expense.
6. Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive – Best for a Natural Approach
Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive is a great pick if you’re into keeping things as natural as possible. Made with plant-based ingredients like green tea extract and citric acid, this mouthwash is gentle on your dog’s system. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, so you can feel good about helping both your dog and the planet.
Key Features:
- Naturally derived ingredients like green tea and citric acid
- Freshens the breath for up to 12 hours
- No brushing required
- Eco-friendly packaging
- VOHC approved
Perfect for pet parents who want a greener option that’s still effective, Naturel Promise Fresh will keep your dog’s breath odor-free and maintain balanced oral pH levels for up to 12 hours.
The eco-friendly packaging means less waste and a smaller footprint, making it a win-win situation for both your pup and the planet!
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is another way to show them love, and using a dog mouthwash can make the whole process a lot easier for you, and less stressful for them. Whether you’re looking for something natural or prefer a budget-friendly option, there’s something here that’s perfect for your pup!Brushing may still be the gold standard, but adding the right mouthwash can be a game-changer for their dental health.
If you’re aiming for the best for your dog—fresh breath, stronger teeth, and plaque-free smiles—make sure to check out PawSafe! It really is the way to go!
Meet Your Experts
Author
Nick, co-founder of Pawsafe, is a certified pet care expert with a deep passion for enhancing pet and family well-being. With credentials in pet behavior, nutrition, and health, he shares his knowledge through informative blog posts. Nick’s dedication to pets is evident in his writing, inspired by his own Yorkie named Whiskey.